NEW YOU Health Tip: Try a plant protein diet for an alternative nutrition source
More and more Americans are beginning to understand that ideal protein food is not singularly defined by meat. A significant protein diet comes in a variety of shapes and flavors, and it is important to know your options beyond dairy, meat and soy protein sources. A plant protein diet is extremely valuable because it is low in saturated fat and extremely alkaline-forming, two qualities that are important to maintain optimal health. Additionally a varied plant protein diet can easily include complete protein sources—those that contain all nine essential amino acids. Legumes like beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, peanuts and soybeans are good sources of protein that will energize and feed your body using the building block nutrients it needs.
Peas: contain eight percent protein, which puts them in the best source of protein category. Peas are also a good source of vitamin A and iron.
Beans: very high in protein. Soybeans, kidney, pinto and garbanzo are all particularly good sources.
We like: Cascadian Farm Protein chewy bars made from organic pea protein. Peanut butter chocolate chip and honey roasted nut varieties contain 9 grams of protein.
How to buy: cascadianfarm.com; $4.49
